Special Education - Early Intervention Vision Specialist

Overview

This one-year, five-course sequence of study is aimed at increasing the number of personnel qualified to provide early intervention for Illinois children with blindness, visual impairments, or deaf/blindness.

Upon completion, candidates will earn the Early Intervention Vision Specialist graduate certificate, as well as complete the necessary core knowledge competency areas needed to apply for the early intervention credential in Illinois.

The program will recruit cohorts of Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility Specialists to enable them to become Early Intervention Developmental Therapists-Vision and Developmental Therapists-Orientation and Mobility Specialists in order to increase access to highly trained service providers for infants and toddlers with blindness, visual impairments, or deaf/blindness.

Advising

How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association

present official transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. Transcripts can be emailed from the university to Admissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Office of Admissions, 201 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 2200, Normal, IL 61790-2200

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

A student applying to this program must:

submit a current resume

submit a cover letter outlining professional goals

submit a Certificate of Orientation and Mobility or evidence of Illinois teacher licensure in Low Vision/Blindness

submit a letter documenting a minimum of one year of successful teaching or O&M experience

provide email addresses for three individuals willing to submit a letter of recommendation for the applicant

Applicants may be asked to provide further information or to participate in an interview process to determine a match between their previous preparation, current goals, and the focus of the plan of study. Admission portfolios are reviewed and acted upon by the department Graduate Coordinator.

Application Deadlines

Fall Term — Deadline for receipt of all application materials is March 30, 2018.